I finally got round to going to the dentist here. Funny how you put these things off when it all feels unfamiliar. But a crack in a crown forced me to phone up and I didn’t allow myself to speak English, only asking the receptionist to please speak slowly. Unusually she responded in beautiful clear and slow Catalan. This is not my normal experience as for some reason most people ignore my request for slow and only speak louder and, perhaps nervously, faster.
I had two appointments so was able to take full advantage of the incredible views over the Porxada
There were lovely bird drawing in the waiting room, done by the dentist himself, Snr Costa
These relaxed me before going ahead with the filling. Yes, a new filling as it turned out the crack was not a problem but the cavity next door needed seeing to. They took out an ancient amalgam filling and replaced with the more healthy white kind.
It’s embarrassing seeing a dentist here – I feel I have to apologise for a ‘British’ mouth. Apparently we are famous for having been subject to drill and fill, especially in the 1960’s which is when I used to go and see an enthusiastic but not highly skilled Mr Terrace. I remember the sound of the drill, the flecks of dandruff on the top of his head which I focused on to distract myself from the pain. I’m not sure there were injections in those days, can that be true?
Sitting in the dentist chair must be one of the most intense and private experiences we have in public. You can’t speak, your mouth is open at the least attractive angle, a strong light is focussed on your face and there is no escape. You are forced back inside yourself to seek comfort in whatever way you can. I usually try to levitate to another astral plane.
But today I needed to keep some attention in the room. He was speaking to me.
Surely this needs no translation?
Obri, una mica més. Ara tanqui…tanqui…..TANQUI……gràcies…..ara obri….més…més…més….molt bé.
Oh, lord, that made me shudder. Looks like the same dentist as Tiffany goes to, is it? Lovely that he draws, that would help.
Then there’s the issue of vocab….
yes well spotted – I am a terrible copycat! but also as she liked them it felt safer to go there. The views and the drawings helped. And actually I think Catalan dentists are better than British ones so I felt fairly confident. Amazing what a difference a friendly receptionist makes as well. K x